So far we have bookings for 12 boats and 44 people. We expect many more over the coming days and might have to establish a waiting list, so don’t delay. If you think you might attend, submit a booking form on the event page: https://cruising.ie/three-bridges-2022
This year the bridges will open earlier than usual, at 13:30 on Saturday 3 September. High water is later in the afternoon, so boats constrained by tide at ports such as Malahide or Rush can’t get there in the morning. They can still berth for the dinner when the Tom Clarke Bridge opens in the late afternoon, or stay in Poolbeg the previous night.
Members are welcome to attend the social function without a boat. There’s no need to book or pay the administration fee, but you must buy meal tickets in advance in the general shop: https://cruising.ie/shop. Book accommodation directly with the Clayton Hotel and mention ‘Cruising Association of Ireland’ for a discount rate.
Boats that want to join the parade without staying overnight are welcome too. Submit a booking form and pay the administration fee as usual, join the fleet for the parade and berth at the pontoon temporarily, then leave when the Tom Clarke Bridge opens around 18:00. Let us know your plans in the ‘Notes’ field when booking.
Breaking news, 22 August
We have just heard that the Samuel Becket Bridge will not open.
A technical problem concerning fire extinguishers arose several weeks ago, but all concerned were confident that it would be solved before September. We learned today that essential parts won’t be delivered for another five weeks.
The bridge is not maintained by Dublin Corporation, who have been supporting us enthusiastically all along and are as disappointed as we are.
All our plans for the Three Bridges Rally remain in place including the Tom Clarke Bridge openings, the parade of sail, the function in the Clayton Hotel and the overnight stay on the Liffey pontoon. The only change is that we shall parade between the Tom Clarke Bridge and the Samuel Becket Bridge.
When bridges have failed to open in other years, our members have still enjoyed busy, social and memorable events. The show will go on!